NASA Win
LMP was recently awarded contracts which involved the construction of several simulation models to be used at the NASA John Glenn Space Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Astronauts will be placed in a simulated environment and required to perform the actual tasks necessary during space flight. The tolerances necessary for realistic recreation of the flight models, presented challenges requiring new twists on existing modeling methods.
First LMP machined a foam mold on our 5-axis router. The mold was then sprayed with a coating which provides a durable polished finish. LMP manufactured the chamber in quarter sections poured of polyurethane around the CNC lathe machined stainless steel window ring assembly.
The dome was completed with the use of a full mold. Several loose pieces were required, allowing the part to draw out of the mold. Both the window chamber and the end dome contained numerous machined stainless inserts incorporated into the part in the molding process.
Stainless CNC turned windows, welded and set up for the initial 1/4 segment pour of hapflex 665 urethane which ultimately produces the window chamber section of the assembly. |
Molded urethane end dome with threaded stainless steel inserts.
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An optics relay trainer to be used at NASA. It was manufactured from solid round stock 6061 aluminum. Inside the housing we installed an adjustable aperature (the adjustment arm is seen protruding through the body). Each end has a CNC-machined polycarbonite lense installed. |
Complete assembly of window chamber and end cap.
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